Football place kicking training device

ABSTRACT

A football place kicking training device includes an adjustable wrap, wherein the wrap is adapted to retain a football. An elastic cord is also included and has a first and a second end, the first end is adapted to be attached to the wrap, and the second end is adapted to be anchored to a support.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a training device generally, and morespecifically to a football training device.

A place kicker, in order to practice his art, will typically practicerepeatedly kicking footballs through a field goal. As is currentpractice, the kicker will have a large supply of footballs ready and athand so that he can repeatedly “T” up the balls, kick the balls, andthen view the results. However, though this works well for teams with aready supply of numerous footballs, and aids to retrieve the footballs,it does not work well with kickers who neither have numerous balls, orpeople to fetch them. In this later instance, the kicker will typically“T” up the ball, kick the ball, and then view the results. However, thekicker will then have to fetch the ball before he can practice again. Todiminish the time the kicker spends fetching the kicked balls, he willtypically obtain as many balls as he can afford and/or carry to thesite. However, unlike professional football teams that have a readysupply of footballs as well as the people to retrieve them, individualplayers, or teams without a large financial backing, will face theproblem of spending more time fetching the balls than actually kickingthem. There are a few prior art devices that attempt to rectify thissituation. However, none appear to rectify it in the manner that ispresented below.

The following patents are representative of past attempts at satisfyingthese needs and requirements. These patents are now discussed in greaterdetail to afford a better understanding of the deficiencies in the priorart.

U.S. Pat. No. U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,672 B1 to Olson, describes a portabletraining apparatus for the evaluation of the flight trajectory and thehorizontal and vertical flight path of a kicked football, having aportable wheeled base, rigid uprights and movable trajectory indicatorwhich can be set for optimal trajectory angle.

U.S. Pat. No. U.S. Pat. No. 4,477,077 to Ferrebee, describes a footballplace/field goal kicking device which holds a football in a position forkicking, with a holding pressure which simulates being held by a humanholder. The devise includes a base, a holding device mounted on thebase, and three arm elements pivotal about three axes.

U.S. Pat. No. U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,542 to Crawley, describes a footballkicking practice device comprising a frame and net, wherein the framecan be made from plastic pipes and fittings.

As is evident from the foregoing discussion, past attempts at providinga convenient, accessible, and practical place kicking practicing devicehave heretofore been problematic. Therefore, a need still exist for aplace kicking training device that is easy to set up and use, simple inconstruction, and yet one that can simulate game conditions whileeliminating the need for someone to retrieve the ball after it has beenkicked.

Accordingly, a need exists for novel systems and methods which have,among other advantages, easy set-up and use, while simultaneouslysimulating game conditions, as well as eliminate the need for retrievingthe ball after it has been kicked. Therefore, a training device thatsolves the aforementioned disadvantages and having the aforementionedadvantages is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The aforementioned drawbacks and disadvantages of former trainingdevices have been identified and a solution is set forth herein by theinventive football place kicking training device which includes afootball place kicking training device comprising an adjustable wrap,wherein the wrap is adapted to retain a football. An elastic cord isalso included and has a first and a second end. The first end is adaptedto be attached to the wrap, and the second end is adapted to be attachedto a support.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a football placekicking training device including a conformable adjustable wrap, whereinthe wrap is adapted to be installed on an inflated football. The wrapalso includes fasteners which adjustably and matingly engage, whereinthe fasteners are adapted to securely retain the wrap around thefootball. A pair of elastic cords are also included, each cord having afirst and a second end, wherein each first end is adapted to be attachedto the wrap, and each second end is adapted to be removably attached toa support.

In another aspect of the present invention, a football place kickingtraining device includes a conformable adjustable wrap, the wrap adaptedto be installed on an inflated football. The wrap also includes at least2 pair of fasteners, wherein each pair of fasteners are configured in aV-shaped configuration having a vertex, and an opening divergingtherefrom, wherein the vertex of each pair of fasteners are disposed onopposite ends of the wrap. Each pair of fasteners are adapted to beadjustably and matingly engaged with the other pair of fasteners and areadapted to securely retain the wrap around the football, whereby whenthe at least 2 pair of fasteners are matingly engaged, a window isformed by the engaged fasteners. A pair of elastic cords are alsoincluded, wherein each cord has a first and a second end, and each firstend is adapted to be attached to the wrap, and each second end isadapted to be removably attached to a support.

And still in another aspect of the present invention, a football placekicking training device kit comprises a conformable adjustable wrap,wherein the wrap is adapted to be installed on an inflated football inorder to retain the inflated football therein. The wrap includesfasteners which adjustably and matingly engage, the fasteners adapted tosecurely retain the wrap around the football. The kit also includes apair of elastic cords, wherein each cord has a first and a second end,each first end adapted to be attached to the wrap, each second endadapted to be removably attached to a support. The kit further includesa football, a football place kicking stand, and a pair of supports.

And in still yet another aspect of the present invention, a footballplace kicking training device comprises a football, the footballincluding a pair of first connectors, each of the pair of firstconnectors disposed on opposite sides of the football and recessedtherein; and a pair of elastic cords, each cord having a first and asecond end, each first end adapted to be removably attached to asupport, each second end including a second connector, each secondconnector adapted to be matingly engaged with one of the first pair ofconnectors.

Other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will becomeapparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The above briefdescription sets forth rather broadly the more important features of thepresent disclosure so that the detailed description that follows may bebetter understood, and so that the present contributions to the art maybe better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of thedisclosures that will be described hereinafter which will form thesubject matter of the claims.

In this respect, before explaining the preferred embodiment of thedisclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is notlimited in its application to the details of the construction and thearrangement set forth in the following description or illustrated in thedrawings. The training device of the present disclosure is capable ofother embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in variousways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for description and not limitation. Where specificdimensional and material specifications have been included or omittedfrom the specification or the claims, or both, it is to be understoodthat the same are not to be incorporated into the claims.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be used as a basis fordesigning other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out theseveral purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore,that the claims are regarded as including such equivalent constructionsas far as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent andTrademark Office and the public generally, and especially thescientists, engineers, and practioners in the art who are not familiarwith the patent or legal terms of phraseology, to learn quickly, from acursory inspection, the nature of the technical disclosure of theapplication. Accordingly, the Abstract is intended to define neither theinvention nor the application, which is only measured by the claims, noris it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in anyway.

These and other objects, along with the various features, and structuresthat characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity inthe claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For abetter understanding of the training device of the present disclosure,its advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, referenceshould be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter inwhich there are illustrated and described the preferred embodiments ofthe invention.

As such, while embodiments of the training device are herein illustratedand described, it is to be appreciated that various changes,rearrangements and modifications may be made therein, without departingfrom the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the training device of the presentinvention, the training device being illustrated installed on afootball, the football supported by a place kicking stand;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the training device of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the training device of FIG. 1, installed onthe football;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the training device of FIG. 1, installed on thefootball;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the training device of FIG. 1, installed on thefootball;

FIG. 6 is a front view of another embodiment of the training device;

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the training device of FIG. 6, installed on thefootball;

FIG. 8 is a front view of yet another embodiment of the training device;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the training device of FIG. 8, installed on thefootball;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the training device of FIG. 1,the training device being illustrated installed on a football, thefootball supported by a place kicking stand, wherein one cord is securedto a stake support and the other cord is secured to a portable weightsupport;

FIG. 11 is a front partial sectional view of yet another embodiment ofthe training device, illustrating a football including removable elasticcords; and

FIG. 12 is a side view of the football of the training device of FIG.11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms ofthe preferred embodiment, wherein similar referenced charactersdesignate corresponding features throughout the several figures of thedrawings.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”,“left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivativesthereof, shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However,it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings and described in the followingspecification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferredembodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Wherever possible, these same referenced numeralswill be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.Like features between the various embodiments utilize similar numericaldesignations. Where appropriate, the various similar features have beenfurther differentiated by an alphanumeric designation, wherein thecorresponding alphabetic designator has been changed. Further, thedimensions illustrated in the drawings (if provided) are included forpurposes of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of thepresent invention. Additionally, particular details in the drawingswhich are illustrated in hidden or dashed lines are to be considered asforming no part of the present invention.

As used herein, the term football is meant to be used and defined in itsgeneral and ordinary sense. That is to say an inflated oval ball whichmay be used in the game played by two teams of 11 players each, on arectangular 100-yard-long field with goal lines and goal posts at eitherend, the object being to gain possession of the ball and advance it, byrunning or passing, across the opponent's goal line, or kick it throughthe air between the opponent's goal posts. Of course, this is not meantto be limiting in any manner and these footballs may be used for othersports and take on numerous configurations. As such, the device of thepresent invention is for use with footballs as they are commonly knownin the United States, i.e. balls which are oval in configuration, andnot balls used in other sports like soccer.

The present invention relates to football, and more appropriately to aplace kicking apparatus. A place kicker, in order to practice his art,will typically practice repeatedly kicking footballs through a fieldgoal. As is current practice, the kicker will have a large supply offootballs ready and at hand so that he can repeatedly “T” up the balls,kick the balls, and then view the results. However, though this workswell for teams with a ready supply of numerous footballs, and aids toretrieve the footballs, it does not work well with kickers who neitherhave numerous balls, or people to fetch them. In this later instance,the kicker will typically “T” up the ball, kick the ball, and then viewthe results. However, the kicker will then have to fetch the ball beforehe can practice again. To diminish the time the kicker spends fetchingthe kicked balls, he will typically obtain as many balls as he canafford and/or carry to the site. However, unlike professional footballteams that have a ready supply of footballs as well as the people toretrieve them, individual players, or teams without a large financialbacking, will face the problem of spending more time fetching the ballsthan actually kicking them.

Accordingly, a need exists for novel systems and methods which have,among other advantages, easy set-up and use, while simultaneouslysimulating game conditions, as well as eliminate the need for retrievingthe ball after it has been kicked. Therefore, a training device thatsolves the aforementioned disadvantages and having the aforementionedadvantages is desired.

The disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art are overcome throughthe training device of the present invention, wherein one preferredembodiment is disclosed in FIGS. 1-5. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2,there is shown football place kicking training device 2 comprising anadjustable wrap 10, wherein wrap 10 is adapted to retain a football 3.An elastic cord 30 is also included and has a first and a second end 32and 33, respectively, wherein the first end 32 is adapted to be attachedto wrap 10, and second end 33 is adapted to be anchored to a support 4.

Adjustable wrap 10 is a wrap, harness, sleeve or other cover that isdesigned to be wrapped or fit over an inflated football 3 such that whenwrap 10 is disposed or wrapped around football 3, the wrap retainsfootball 3 therein. In this manner, wrap 10 can be disposed on anytypical or ordinary football 3 in its inflated state. As such, wrap 10does not require a specially made football, or special preparation inorder to use wrap 10. In one preferred embodiment wrap 10 isconformable—in that wrap 10 may conform to the size and shape of theparticular football 3 being used, and adjustable—in that that wrap 10may be used on numerous sizes of footballs 3, or may be positioned onfootball 3 in any number of locations on the oval, and therefore nonuniform football 3.

Adjustability can be accomplished in numerous manners known in the art.In one preferred embodiment, wrap 10 is made adjustable by fasteners 12and 13. For example, male fasteners 12 and female fasteners 13. Onepreferred embodiment uses a hook-and-loop type fastening system, with ahook portion 12 and a loop portion 13 which are to be matingly engagedas illustrated by FIGS. 4 and 5. This arrangement is also adjustable inthat the fit of wrap 10 can be adjusted on football 3 by adjusting theoverlapped or connected portion of fasteners 12 and 13 (FIG. 5).Although various fasteners may be applied directly to opposite ends 14and 14′ of wrap 10, in the embodiment illustrated fasteners 12 and 13are attached, adhered or otherwise affixed to a pair of straps or bands16, 17 and 16′, 17′ disposed on opposite ends 14 and 14′, respectively,of wrap 10, wherein fasteners 12 are disposed on the free ends 18 ofbands 16 and 17, and fasteners 13 are disposed on the free ends 18 ofbands 16′ and 17′. As described above, this facilities, as is known inthe art, adjustable and mating engagement of fasteners 12 and 13 inorder to retain football 3 within the confines of wrap 10. Of course,bands 16, 17, 16′, and 17′ may also be elastic to facilitate thisadjustability even further. Although the specific number, shape and sizeof fasteners 12 and 13, bands 16, 17, 16′, and 17′, and ends 14 and 14′may vary according to specific requirements, in one embodiment at leasta part of each pair of bands 16, 17, 16′ and 17′ are configured in aV-shape configuration having a vertex 20, and an opening 21 divergingtherefrom, wherein the vertices 20 are disposed on opposite ends 14 and14′ of wrap 10.

As best illustrated in FIG. 5, in one preferred embodiment, when eachpair of bands 16, 17 and 16′, 17′ are fastened, matingly engaged, orotherwise secured to one another, a window 22 is formed by the interioroutline of bands 16, 17, 16′, and 17′. Window 22 may be used, forexample, to indicate the optimum kicking spot or sweet-spot. Further, byadjusting wrap 10 either up or down football 3, this sweet-spot can beadjusted to meet the specific requirements of the kicker in order tomaximize the kicker's performance.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, another embodiment of the footballtraining device 2A is illustrated, wherein disposed between bands 16, 17and 16′, 17′, in openings 21, are visual indicators 24. For example, oneembodiment utilizes a highly visible colored mesh or webbing material.In this manner, when wrap 10 is disposed on football 3 (FIG. 7), the nowvisually enhanced window 22 more readily indicates the optimum kickingspot or sweet-spot.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, another embodiment of the footballtraining device 2B is illustrated wherein bands 16, 17 and 16′, 17′initially form a V-shape as described above. However, free-ends 18 areextended outwardly from the V-shape, and extend generally parallel toone another. This has the desired effect of making window 22A adifferent shape as compared to window 22. Of course this is merely oneexample and window 22 or 22A, via bands 16, 17 and 16′, 17′, can befabricated into numerous shapes and sizes as the particular requirementsdictate. Further, these windows may also include visual indicators 24disposed between bands 16, 17 and 16′, 17′, if so desired.

Returning to FIG. 2, in yet another embodiment a pocket 26 for storingitems and the like is included within wrap 10 and includes a closure 27.Closure 27 can be for example, a zipper or other closure which can actto open and close-off pocket 26.

The specific configurations and features of wrap 10 may vary accordingto specific requirements. In one preferred embodiment, wrap 10 isgenerally rectangular in shape, including angled ends 14 and 14′, and isfabricated in a one-piece configuration from a generally tough fabricmaterial, for example, cotton or nylon. However, the shape of wrap 10may vary according to specific requirements, and need not be rectangularin configuration. Further, although one preferred embodiment of wrap 10is fabricated from cotton or nylon utilizing sewing techniques, othermaterials and fabrication techniques may be used. In addition, althoughthis particular embodiment of wrap 10 is fabricated into a one-piececonfiguration, multiple pieces can be utilized.

Training device 2 also includes an elastic cord 30 having first andsecond ends 32 and 33, respectively, wherein first end 32 is adapted tobe attached to wrap 10, and second end 33 is adapted to be anchored to asupport 4. Although a single elastic cord 30 may be used, it ispreferable to have multiple cords 30, and in one preferred embodiment, apair of elastic cords 30 and 30′ are used. In this embodiment, ends 32and 32′ of cords 30 and 30′, respectively, are attached, for example bystitching, to ends 14 and 14′, respectively, of wrap 10. Of course,cords 30 and 30′ may be attached in numerous manners and in otherlocations on wrap 10. Cords 30 and 30′ each include free ends or secondends 33 and 33′, respectively, which include couplings 36 which areadapted to be attached, anchored, or otherwise affixed to a support 4(FIG. 10). In one embodiment, couplings 36 are made to be releasablyattached to support 4 via fasteners 37. For example only, a hook andloop fastening system may be utilized to form couplings 36 and to allowends 33 and 33′ to be secured to support 4. Of course, numerous othercouplings known in the art may also be used.

Support 4 may include any anchored point, support, or relatively fixedsource. As best illustrated in FIG. 10, support 4 may include, forexample, a stake 4 or a portable weight 4′, whereby ends 33 and 33′ (viacouplings 36) may be attached in order to provide a relatively fixed orstationary support point.

The specific configurations and features of elastic cord 30 may varyaccording to specific requirements. Although it is possible to utilize anon-elastic cord 30, an elastic cord is preferably used so that cord 30can stretch and provide a resiliency to return football 3 to the kickerafter it has been kicked, as described in more detail below. In thepreferred embodiment, elastic cord 30 is generally rectangular in shapeand is fabricated in a one-piece configuration from an elastic materialsuch as nylon. However, the shape of elastic cord 30 may vary accordingto specific requirements, and need not be rectangular in configuration.For example, round, or other shaped cord may also be utilized. Further,although one preferred embodiment of elastic cord 30 is fabricated fromnylon, other materials may be used. In addition, although thisparticular embodiment of elastic cord 30 is fabricated into a one-piececonfiguration, multiple pieces can be utilized, and assembled by variousmeans such that are known in the art.

While the preferred embodiments have been described, the specificcharacteristics of training device 2 may vary according to specificrequirements. Although these preferred embodiment utilize a one piececonstruction and are fabricated from durable fabrics, otherconstructions and materials may also be used. Of course, the particulargeometries of certain features, as well as the numbers of particularfeatures may also be changed to suit particular needs and requirements.

By fabricating training device 2 from durable fabrics utilizing sewingoperations, a very economical training device has been developed whichis conformable, simple in configuration and appearance, and yet verystrong. In addition, training device 2 may be further enhanced byutilizing various finishing techniques, for example various colorants,coatings, logos, and the like to provide a durable yet aestheticappearance.

In use then, training device 2 is disposed, wrapped, or otherwiseattached to an inflated football 3 (FIG. 10). Typically this isaccomplished by putting the inside of front end 26 over the frontsurface 7 of football 3, wrapping ends 14 and 14′ around football 3,towards the rear surface 8 (FIG. 5) of football 3, and mateably securingfasteners 12 and 13 to one another thereby conformably securing trainingdevice 2 to football 3. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of couplings36, on ends 33 and 33′ are attached to a pair of supports 4, for examplea pair of stakes 4, a pair of weights 4′ or other preferably portablesupport 4, and football 3 is then disposed or otherwise positioned on aplace kicking holder or “T” 6. The kicker then kicks football 3 as he orshe would normally do. However, as the ball is launched, instead offlying off in an uninterrupted manner, the ball will proceed normallyuntil cords 30 and 30′ start to restrict the movement of football 3.Elastic cords 30 and 30′ will then fully expand, according to the forceexerted on football 3, and then restrict, thereby returning football 3at or near the initial starting position. In this manner, a footballkicker can practice kicking a football, analyze the kick (i.e. theforce, motion, direction, and the like), without having to take the timeand effort to retrieve the kicked the ball. Therefore, a single personcan practice kicking, repeatedly, without having the need for multipleballs or retrieving the kicked balls.

And still in another aspect of the present invention, FIG. 10illustrates a football place kicking training device kit which comprisesa conformable adjustable wrap 10, wherein wrap 10 is adapted to beinstalled on inflated football 3 in order to retain inflated football 3therein. Wrap 10 also includes fasteners 12 and 13, which adjustably andmatingly engage, the fasteners adapted to securely retain wrap 10 aroundfootball 3 as described above. The kit also includes a pair of elasticcords 30 and 30′, wherein each cord 30 and 30′ has a first and a secondend 32, 33 and 32′, 33′, respectively, wherein each first end 32 and 32′is adapted to be attached to wrap 10, and each second end 33 and 33′ isadapted to be removably anchored, via a coupling 36, to a support 4. Thekit further includes a football 3; a football place kicking stand 6; anda pair of supports 4 that can include, for example, either a pair ofstakes 4 or a pair of portable weights 4′. As such, the user of the kithas everything needed to practice kicking using training device 2.

An alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 whereininstead of football 3 requiring a wrap 10 to secure football 3 toelastic cords 30 and 30′, in one embodiment a pair of elastic cords 30Cand 30′C each include ends 32C and 32′C, and free (second) ends 33C and33′C, respectively. In this embodiment, each end 32C and 32′C includes asecond connector 51 that releasably and mateably engages a a pair offirst connectors 51 recessed and disposed within each side 9 of football3, and disposed relatively equidistant along the longitudinally axis(FIG. 12). In this manner, since connectors 50 do not protrude from orinterfere with the outside surface of football 3, football 3 can be usedas a normal football when cords 30C and 30′C are removed therefrom. Forexample, football 3 can be thrown or passed to another person as normal.However, when cords 30C and 30′C and more appropriately secondconnectors 51 are engaged with mating first connectors 50, trainingdevice 2C can be used as a place kicking training device as describedabove with respect to embodiment 2, 2A, and 2B. Connectors 50 and 51 maybe any connectors that are capable of releasably and mateably engagingwith one another, and are known in the art.

Advantageously, the training device of the present invention is easy toset-up and use, while simultaneously being able to simulate actual gameconditions, as well as eliminate the need for retrieving the ball afterit has been kicked. It is efficiently fabricated while also beingengineered to be durable. Consequently, the embodiments of the preferredinvention disclosed herein reveal a training device which is novel overexisting designs.

The solutions offered by the invention disclosed herein have thus beenattained in an economical, practical, and facile manner. To whit, anovel training device which is cost effective, easily installed, strong,and aesthetically pleasing has been invented. While preferredembodiments and example configurations of the inventions have beenherein illustrated, shown, and described, it is to be appreciated thatvarious changes, rearrangements, and modifications may be made therein,without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by theclaims. It is intended that the specific embodiments and configurationsdisclosed herein are illustrative of the preferred and best modes forpracticing the invention, and should not be interpreted as limitationson the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, and it is toappreciated that various changes, rearrangements, and modifications maybe made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention asdefined by the claims.

1. A football place kicking training device comprising: an adjustablewrap, the wrap adapted to be retain a football; an elastic cord having afirst and a second end, the first end adapted to be attached to thewrap, the second end adapted to be attached to a support.
 2. The placekicking device of claim 1, wherein: the wrap is adapted to be installedon an inflated football.
 3. The place kicking device of claim 1,wherein: the wrap includes fasteners which adjustably and matinglyengage, the fasteners adapted to securely retain the wrap around thefootball.
 4. The place kicking device of claim 3, wherein: the fastenersmatingly engage behind the wrap; whereby when the fasteners are matinglyengaged, a window is formed by the engaged fasteners.
 5. The placekicking device of claim 3, wherein: the wrap includes at least 2 pair offasteners, each pair of fasteners affixed to opposite ends of the wrap,each pair of fasteners including a pair of bands.
 6. The place kickingdevice of claim 5, wherein: each pair of bands includes a visualindicator disposed therebetween.
 7. The place kicking device of claim 5,wherein: at least a part of each pair of bands are configured in aV-shaped configuration having a vertex, and an opening divergingtherefrom, wherein the vertices of each pair of bands are disposed onthe opposite ends of the wrap.
 8. The place kicking device of claim 7,wherein: each pair of bands include a webbing material disposed withinthe opening.
 9. The place kicking device of claim 1, wherein: the wrapincludes a pocket.
 10. The place kicking device of claim 1, wherein: theelastic cord includes a pair of elastic cords, each pair of elasticcords affixed to opposite ends of the wrap.
 11. The place kicking deviceof claim 10, wherein: each cord affixed to opposite ends of the wrapincludes a free end, each free end including a coupling, each couplingadapted to be removably anchored to a support.
 12. The place kickingdevice of claim 11, wherein: the coupling is adapted to be removablyattached to a portable weight.
 13. A football place kicking trainingdevice comprising: a conformable adjustable wrap, the wrap adapted to beinstalled on an inflated football; the wrap including fasteners whichadjustably and matingly engage, the fasteners adapted to securely retainthe wrap around the football; a pair of elastic cords, each cord havinga first and a second end, each first end adapted to be attached to thewrap, each second end adapted to be removably attached to a support. 14.The place kicking device of claim 13, wherein: when the fasteners arematingly engaged, a window is formed by the engaged fasteners.
 15. Theplace kicking device of claim 14, wherein: the wrap includes at least 2pair of fasteners, each pair of fasteners affixed to opposite ends ofthe wrap, each pair of fasteners including a pair of bands; each pair ofbands configured in a V-shaped configuration having a vertex, and anopening diverging therefrom, wherein the vertices of each pair of bandsare disposed on the opposite ends of the wrap.
 16. The place kickingdevice of claim 15, wherein: each pair of bands includes a visualindicator disposed therebetween.
 17. The place kicking device of claim13, wherein: the wrap includes a pocket.
 18. A football place kickingtraining device comprising: a conformable adjustable wrap, the wrapadapted to be installed on an inflated football; the wrap including atleast 2 pair of fasteners, each pair of fasteners configured in aV-shaped configuration having a vertex, and an opening divergingtherefrom, wherein the vertex of each pair of fasteners are disposed onopposite ends of the wrap, each pair of fasteners adapted to beadjustably and matingly engaged with the other pair of fasteners, thefasteners adapted to securely retain the wrap around the football;whereby when the at least 2 pair of fasteners are matingly engaged, awindow is formed by the engaged fasteners; a pair of elastic cords, eachcord having a first and a second end, each first end adapted to beattached to the wrap, each second end adapted to be removably anchoredto a support.
 19. The place kicking device of claim 18, wherein: eachpair of fasteners include a visual indicator disposed within theV-shaped configuration.
 20. The place kicking device of claim 18,wherein: the wrap includes a pocket.
 21. The place kicking device ofclaim 19, wherein: the wrap includes a pocket.
 22. The place kickingdevice of claim 18, wherein: each second end is adapted to be removablyattached to a portable support.
 23. The place kicking device of claim19, wherein: each second end is adapted to be removably attached to aportable support.
 24. A football place kicking training devicecomprising: a football, the football including a pair of firstconnectors, each of the pair of first connectors disposed on oppositesides of the football and recessed therein; a pair of elastic cords,each cord having a first and a second end, each first end adapted to beremovably anchored to a support, each second end including a secondconnector, each second connector adapted to be matingly engaged with oneof the first pair of connectors.